DeFreest Named VP of Tourism & Communication at SCBP

Chris Edwards, President/CEO of the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP), has announced the promotion of Melissa DeFreest to the position of Vice-President of Tourism and Communications. She has served the SCBP as Director of Marketing & Communication since June of 2017.

DeFreest is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Master’s Degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication.

In addition to her responsibilities to develop and implement a strategic communications plan, she will lead Somerset County Tourism, the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Somerset County as designated by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism. The Partnership is the premier resource for advocacy for the tourism, cultural arts, and hospitality industries in Somerset County. Tourism in Somerset County is a $1.235 billion industry providing more than 20,000 jobs in 2019.

“Melissa has exhibited great talent and a remarkable work ethic in the four years that she has served the Somerset County business community,” commented Chris Edwards, President/CEO. “Coming out of the pandemic, the importance of Tourism to the overall health of Somerset County business cannot be overstated. She is the perfect person to ensure successful rebirth of business and recreational travel.”

For information on the programs and activities of the SCBP, visit www.scbp.org or call 908-218-4300.